blogis librorum. Expert blogging about rare books

Kristin Masters

Master Content Brain. You think it, she writes it, no good thought remains unposted. Sprinkles pixie dust on Google+, newsletters, blog, facebook, twitter and just about everything else.

Examining the Life and Work of Nobel Prize Winner V.S. Naipaul

By Kristin Masters. Aug 14, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Literature, Nobel Prize Winners

V.S. Naipaul once said that no woman writer could be his equal. He did not win any points with feminists and those striving for gender equality, but it's hard to argue with his literary output. Again, we have to ask ourselves, how do we separate an author's ideology from the work he or she produces? Do we? Can we? Should we? Born August 17, 1932, Nobel laureate V.S. Naipaul died on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the age of 85. The author is considered one of the modern legends of literature.

Remembering Legendary Author Ian Fleming

By Kristin Masters. Aug 13, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book Collecting, James Bond, Modern First Editions

Everyone has a favorite super spy—a character whose cunning nature, quick thinking, or pure mental and physical strength keep us rooting for them long after their books, TV series, or films have reached "the end." Before common names like Jack Bauer, Ethan Hunt, and Jason Bourne dotted the super spy landscape, another famous spy arrested our imagination: James Bond. The dashing and debonair 007 was the creation of Ian Fleming, who has earned a reputation as a legendary author. Yesterday marked the anniversary of Ian Fleming's death. In his honor, we take a look back at his life and his inspiration for writing the iconic James Bond series.

Norman Mailer: Novelist, Activist, and New Journalist

By Kristin Masters. Jul 26, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: American Literature

On January 31, 1923, Norman Kingsley Mailer was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. He'd grow to become one of the preeminent American authors of the 20th century, writing about 40 books and countless essays and stories. Mailer's work earned him two Pulitzer Prizes and the National Book Award, while his politics garnered some less positive criticism.

Iconic Images of Author Jack London

By Kristin Masters. Jul 25, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Rare Books, Book Collecting

On January 12, 1876, author Jack London was born John Griffith Chaney. The son of astrologer William Chaney and music teacher/spiritualist Flora Wellman, London grew up in poverty. After working as a sailor, going to Alaska for the Klondike Gold Rush, and even doing a stint as a hobo, London came to see writing as his means of escaping the work "trap." He began his career, fortuitously, at a time when new printing technology made it more cost effective to publish magazines cheaply, and he was soon making an excellent living thanks to the burgeoning demand for short fiction. London became one of the most beloved American authors, capturing our imagination with his tales of adventure.

A Portrait of James Joyce

By Kristin Masters. Jul 19, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Literature

James Augustine Aloysius Joyce was born in Dublin on February 2, 1882. The oldest of ten children, Joyce would eventually renounce both Ireland and the Catholic faith into which he was baptized. Even more than a century later, his works have remained fascinating—and confounding—to critics, scholars, and readers.

Seven Favorite (Unexpected) Romance Authors

By Kristin Masters. Jun 28, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Book Collecting, Modern First Editions, Rare Book Gift Ideas

It is officially wedding season. June is one of the most popular months to get married, and nothing says "love" like a romantic book. These authors have delivered true tales of romance—though many of them aren't considered "romance writers."

A.A. Milne's Complicated Relationship with P.G. Wodehouse

By Kristin Masters. Jun 20, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors

Alan Alexander Milne is best known for creating the characters of Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin, and company. Yet A.A. Milne wrote much more than children's stories; he penned detective novels, screenplays, and poetry. His complex relationship with P.G. Wodehouse had a significant impact on both authors, but frequently gets overlooked.

Collecting the Works of Saul Bellow

By Kristin Masters. Jun 10, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Rare Books, Book Collecting, Literature, Nobel Prize Winners

"A novel is balanced between a few true impressions and the multitude of false ones that make up most of what we call life." So spoke Saul Bellow, one of the greatest American authors of the twentieth century. Rare book collectors have consistently been interested in Bellow's works, and that interest will only grow as his books get more scarce over time.

Ten Facts about Legendary Author Charles Dickens

By Kristin Masters. Jun 9, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, Charles Dickens

Born on February 7, 1812, Charles Dickens hardly seemed destined for greatness. Yet he rose to become one of the preeminent authors of Victorian England, and his works are now beloved by readers and rare book collectors around the world. Dickens passed away on June 9, 1870. In honor of his life and work, here are ten facts about the legendary author.

Did You Know? Nine Facts About Ian Fleming and James Bond

By Kristin Masters. May 28, 2018. 9:00 AM.

Topics: Legendary Authors, James Bond, Movie Tie-Ins, Book News

Born on May 28, 1908, Ian Fleming would go on to create the most enduring literary figure since Sherlock Holmes. Rare book collectors are fascinated with the legacy of Ian Fleming and James Bond. Here's a look at little known facts about Fleming and his world-famous protagonist.

blogis librorum. A blog about books. Rare books.

Recent Posts:

Examining the Life and Work of Nobel Prize Winner V.S. Naipaul

Remembering Legendary Author Ian Fleming

Norman Mailer: Novelist, Activist, and New Journalist

Iconic Images of Author Jack London

A Portrait of James Joyce

Seven Favorite (Unexpected) Romance Authors

A.A. Milne's Complicated Relationship with P.G. Wodehouse

Collecting the Works of Saul Bellow

Ten Facts about Legendary Author Charles Dickens

Did You Know? Nine Facts About Ian Fleming and James Bond

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